Byr a thoddaid;
(bir a thod-deyed)

This form consists of any number of quatrain stanzas. Each stanza combines one couplet of eight
syllable lines a. a. and one couplet where the first line
has ten syllables and the second line has six syllables. This couplet is called a
toddaid byr.

There is no set order for the couplets.

In the ten syllable line the main rhyme b. b.
is found before the end of the line and the last syllable of that line links the
six syllable line by alliteration, assonance or secondary rhyme. Here is the
form layout for either variation.

x x x x x x x a
x x x x x x x a
x x x x x x b x x c.x c x x x b

or

x x x x x x d x x e.x e x x x d
x x x x x x x f
x x x x x x x f

Seasons

The change of seasons, bare to bloom,
I see pass swiftly from my room;
Fall makes a place for Winter days that come
To numb sunís last warm rays...

Gently now they kiss our faces
With the last of Autumnís paces.
Too suddenly they will be gone - then cold
Folds over us; frostís fun.

Today there is still time to bask
Beneath the hot sunís golden mask.
Last vestiges of Summerís final run,
Theyíre gone at last, to die.

Nature will rejoice and treasure,
Days to come with sun and pleasure.
First snow will reign for many weeks, till Spring
Brings back the warmth man seeks.